







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Oh, sorry, I also need a grater for the cheese. | |
| I don't believe you! What's the difference today? | |
| Yes, I can hear you, but I don't understand! | |
| Yeah, I think the logo looks much better in the centre, what do you think? | |
| Thanks for warning me now, that's very helpful! | |
| Hey, we are back. | |
| Mike! You can't use people's stuff without asking! | |
| I guess I can meet you there at 20:30, or is it too late? | |
| I see, I love cooking! | |
| Are you close friends? | |
| I can't call him at the moment because his phone is unreachable. | |
| I didn't say it's your fault, but it's your turn now... | |
| I don't think it's a suitable movie for kids, dear. | |
| His name's Sergio. | |
| How is there four of us? | |
| That would be great! Do you think it's possible? | |
| How often do you have free time, then? | |
| I haven't seen her, either, and I don't really want to... | |
| Yes, it was quite easy, actually, I live very close by. | |
| Hope to see you later. | |